Sauber designer heads for McLaren

Sauber designer Matt Morris to move to McLaren after informing Swiss team of his resignation

Sauber's chief designer Matt Morris is to move to McLaren once his release from his current role with the Swiss based team has been has been secured.

News emerged in the Silverstone paddock on Friday morning that Morris had tendered his resignation and told Sauber of his plans to leave, with a switch to McLaren now being confirmed.

Morris will work alongside technical Tim Goss in the role of engineering director as the team looks to strengthen its backroom staff ahead of the move to Honda engines for the 2015 season.

According to reports, Morris will be replaced in his role at Sauber by Eric Gandelin.

"Matt Morris will join McLaren Racing as Engineering Director once his current contractual situation with Sauber is resolved," a McLaren spokesperson revealed. "Matt will work for our Technical Director, Tim Goss, to ensure our engineering standards and technical decision-making capabilities are of the highest quality.

"During a period of intense technical challenge within Formula 1, Matt's appointment is the first step in an ongoing programme to strengthen the engineering department as our organisation prepares for the arrival of Honda in 2015."

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh had earlier revealed the move was taking place while speaking to Sky Sports'Martin Brundle following the opening practice session.